Editor’s note: This is the twentieth beer in the Beer Advent Calendar 2015 series. Likewise, I’m going to be posting a beer review each day. Some will be Christmas or Winter ales and other selections will be beers I’ve been wanting to review for some time.

Today I’m keeping it local here in Salem, Oregon and featuring Attack Owl IPA from Vagabond Brewing. Founded by three good friends, Vagabond has been churning out amazing brews and built a fantastic taphouse in north Salem.

How does it taste?

Attack Owl IPA ours clear with a reddish yellow tint. The smell is of strong pine hoppyness that leaves a fantastic lacing on the glass.

When you taste the beer, you’re greeted with a strong heavy does of pine hops, but it doesn’t last long and then the malt sweetness kicks in. This is a very smooth IPA that has a citrus influence at the beginning and middle of the sip, but maintains a dry backside.

Overall, this is a fantastically balanced IPA that would appeal to lovers of strong ales, amber and IPA styles.